READING-main Idea
READING-main Idea
READING-main Idea
READING STRATEGY
IDENTIFYING THE MAIN IDEA
The main idea is the central, or most important, idea in a paragraph or passage. It states the
purpose and sets the direction of the paragraph or passage.
Example 1
The railroad was not the first institution to impose regularity on society, or to draw attention to the
importance of precise timekeeping. For as long as merchants have set out their wares at daybreak and
communal festivities have been celebrated, people have been in rough agreement with their neighbors as
to the time of day. The value of this tradition is today more apparent than ever. Were it not for public
acceptance of a single yardstick of time, social life would be unbearably chaotic: the massive daily
transfers of goods, services, and information would proceed in fits and starts; the very fabric of modern
society would begin to unravel.
The main idea of the passage is that societies need to agree about how time is measured in order to
function smoothly. Therefore, you should choose answer C.
Example 2
Hurricanes generally occur in the North Atlantic from May through November, with the peak of
the hurricane season in September; only rarely will they occur from December through April in
that part of the ocean. The main reason for the occurrence of hurricanes during this period is that
the temperature on the water’s surface is at its warmest and the humidity of the air is at its
highest.
Of the tropical storms that occur each year in the North Atlantic, only about five, on the average,
are powerful enough to be called hurricanes. To be classified as a hurricane, a tropical storm
must have winds reaching speeds of at least 117 kilometers per hour, but the winds are often
much stronger than that; the winds of intense hurricanes can easily surpass 240 kilometers (10)
per hour.
The main idea of the passage is hurricanes in one part of the world. Therefore, you should
choose answer D.
The best title for this passage main idea of the passage is Storms of the Northern Atlantic.
Therefore, you should choose answer B.
Example 3
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was perhaps the best-known American poet of the
nineteenth century. His clear writing style and emphasis on the prevalent values of the period
made him popular with the general public if not always with the critics. He was particularly
recognized for Line his longer narrative poems Evangeline, The Song of Hiawatha, and The
Courtship of Miles Standish, in which he told stories from American history in terms of the
values of the time.
Evangeline was set during the French and Indian War (1754–1763), when the British forced
French settlers from Nova Scotia; two lovers, Gabriel and Evangeline, were separated by the
British, and Evangeline devoted her lifetime to the search for Gabriel. With its emphasis on
sentimental, undying love, Evangeline was immensely popular with the public.
In The Song of Hiawatha, Longfellow depicted the noble life of the American Indian through the
story of the brave Hiawatha and his beloved wife Minehaha. The tear-inspiring poem follows
Hiawatha through the tragedies and triumphs of life, ending with the death of Minehaha and
Hiawatha’s departure into the sunset in his canoe. The Courtship of Miles Standish takes place
during the early period of the settlement of New (15) England, a period which was viewed as a
time of honor and romance. In this poem centeredaround a love triangle, Miles Standish asks his
friend John Alden to propose to Priscilla Mullins for him; John Alden ends up marrying Priscilla
Mullins himself, and it takes time for his friendship with Miles Standish to recover. As with
Longfellow’s other narrative poems, the emphasis on high ideals and romance made the poem
extremely popular.
4. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the passage?
The best title for this passage main idea of the passage is The popularity of Longfellow’s poems
results from his stress on the values of the people. Therefore, you should choose answer C.
EXERCISE
Each passage is followed statements. Select the statement that best expresses the topic and the
main idea. Circle the letter of that statement.
Passage One
Passing fears are common in early childhood. Many 2- to 4-year-olds are afraid of animals, especially
dogs. By 6 years, children are more likely to be afraid of the dark. Other common fears are of
thunderstorms, doctors, and imaginary creatures.
The topic of this paragraph is
A. Fear.
B. passing fears.
C. two-to-four-year olds fear of animals.
D. common fears
The stated main idea of this paragraph is
A. Passing fears are common in early childhood.
B. Many 2- to 4-year olds are afraid of animals, especially dogs.
C. By 6 years, children are more likely to be afraid of the dark.
D. Other common fears are of thunderstorms, doctors, and imaginary creatures.
Passage Two
Don't wait for your company to send you to school. Determine your needs and ask about the company's
training program. If they don't have one, sign up for classes at a local college. When it comes to your
profession, you should be a lifelong learner. Put a high priority on learning new skills and on personal
growth and professional development. Learn new software technology and improve interpersonal and
writing skills.
The topic of this paragraph is
A. waiting for your company to send you to school.
B. the company's training program.
C. being a lifelong learner.
D. new software technology.
The stated main idea of this paragraph is
A. Don't wait for your company to send you to school.
B. Determine your needs and ask about the company's training program.
C. When it comes to your profession, you should be a lifelong learner.
D. Learn new software technology and improve interpersonal and writing skills.
Passage Three
There are gender differences in adolescents' satisfaction with their bodies. Compared with boys, girls are
usually less happy with their bodies and have more negative body images. Also, as puberty proceeds, girls
often become even more dissatisfied with their bodies. This is probably because their body fat increases.
In contrast, boys become more satisfied as they move through puberty, probably because their muscle
mass increases.
Do you like the city where you are living now while studying in University? Why?
PASSAGE 1
London has been named as the world’s best city for students, according to the
latest rankings released today.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The fact that London has again been ranked the
best city in the world in which to be a student is fantastic news – and is no surprise given that
London is home to world-leading higher education institutions and a vibrant cultural life. This is
further evidence that London is open to students and talent from around the world.”
Lalage Clay, Director, Education and Talent at London & Partners, the Mayor of
London's official promotional agency and home of Study London said: “These are truly
fantastic results for London, confirming its outstanding reputation as the best student city in the
world for the second consecutive year. We are extremely proud of London’s many world-class
universities, our talented and diverse student body and of the incredible experiences students
have in our city. (Source: media.londonandpartners.com)